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A fearless and focused response to God's love in us.Thu, 03 May 2018 18:34:19 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2ElevationOutreachhttps://feedburner.google.com58 Days – Pray We Remain JUSThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/2K8lrpk18HA/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/58-days-pray-we-remain-just/#commentsThu, 25 May 2017 23:52:15 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6537We’re 58 days away from the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and today we’re praying that we remain JUST in the midst of the huge responsibility we have at hand.

In Psalm 58, David addresses the issue of humans that believe they have divine power, and the problems that arise when we, as people, try to make ourselves as mighty as Christ.

Let’s face it, it can be easy to allow power to get to our head – it’s so easy to begin to think that we can do it all on our own, but when we allow that power to affect who we are and our mission mindset, we fall into the category of being unjust.

However, we serve a just God, and we’re called to reflect his justice, mercy and faithfulness – we are to be a refection of his goodness. When we lose our focus we turn from our mission at hand to only focus on our own gratification. We so often allow the harvest that’s in front of us to rot because we fail to recognize it- like David said in this Psalm, when our arrows are not aimed properly and backed with the right type of power, they fall short.

A little while ago, Pastor Steven taught a sermon called “#HarvestProblems” and in it he addressed how so often we have a harvest in front of us from God, but we fail to recognize it because we’re so focused on, “me, myself, and I” that we lose sight of the mission at hand and forget what God wants to do through us.

As LOVEWeek quickly approaches, join us in praying that we remember the mission, that we stay JUST and pure in our actions – that we stay humble. We serve a faithful God, lets keep him at the center.

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/58-days-pray-we-remain-just/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/58-days-pray-we-remain-just/59 Days – Pray for STRENGTHhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/FJziNk75rfk/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/59-days-pray-for-strength/#commentsThu, 25 May 2017 14:41:00 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6519We are 59 days away from the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and today we’re praying for STRENGTH.

In Verse 16-17 David is so happy that he sings, shouts and raises his Psalm to God. Often times in our weakness God will reminds us of how strong and faithful he is.

King David went through valleys not just because he was a shepherd – he went through experiences where the only person that could pull him out of it was God, so that when David rejoiced it would be the real deal.

As Pastor Steven once said, “sometimes the only way for God to show you his power is to let you encounter a situation that only he can bring you through.” Sometimes the only way we listen and rely on God’s strength is when we encounter the valley. When we have no idea how to get out, we need to learn to look up and say, “God I need you to help me.” We need to learn to rely on his strength and not our own. In this Psalm, David was joyful and praising God because he remembered those moments in the valley when he felt like he had no way out, but God remained faithful and brought him out anyway – let’s be honest, we’ve all experienced at least one valley in our lives, where we had no idea what to do, but God said, “go back, remember what I’ve already brought you out of, and remember where I am taking you.”

When we realize that God is so faithful and will always walk with us, we experience the same joy that David expresses in verses 16 and 17. Don’t the enemy fool you, and tell you all kinds of lies – God is our supply. Even though David understood that, he walked out his faith even when it was difficult. We should take a lesson from David and walk in our faith instead of standing on the sidelines waiting. Our strength comes from God so lets not pretend we have any without him. Lets learn the voice of our heavenly father and how he operates in our lives – only then can we can encounter the same God that brought David out of the valley with HIS strength not our own.

Ann Youssef – Elevation Volunteer, Ballantyne

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/59-days-pray-for-strength/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/59-days-pray-for-strength/60 Days – Pray for VICTORYhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/JR3FfGQlfV0/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/60-days-pray-for-victory/#commentsTue, 23 May 2017 23:19:02 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6515We are 60 days away from the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and today we’re praying for VICTORY.

Our God is a leader by whom we should set our standards. He doesn’t cast a vision then kick back on His throne with his feet up, hoping we understood the instructions. He’s with us every step of the way, from the appointment to the celebration, even in the preparation and training in the middle. In those moments when we start to doubt ourselves in Him, he encourages and corrects us. Whatever it is He has called us to do, He will lead us to victory because He doesn’t lose.

Victory isn’t just an outcome of war, it’s an attribute of God’s character. God is victorious, and because He is so are we. The victory is always with Him because He will never leave us in a situation where we don’t need Him. Your task will always be bigger than you, but never bigger than Him – in the beginning you’ll always feel inadequate, so take the opportunity in the middle to get to know the gifts, talents and strengths God has deposited in you. Be encouraged in whatever battle (big or small) you’re facing because it’s already been won and you will see the victory.

We can’t let what’s presently in front of us become a hindrance to our faith. While the reality of our present situation may seem chaotic, impossible and out of control that doesn’t negate His promise of victory and deliverance. We get so caught up in the short-comings of our own strength we forget how big and strong our God is, that everything we’re not he is. Even when we feel like nothing He’s everything, and His grace and strength is sufficient. The bottom line is if He’s given us a task then He will see it to completion and we need only to listen to Him and be obedient as He takes us from one step to the next.

There is victory in our own self-destructive messes. Even when we dig our own holes with a shovel we couldn’t afford, He is quick to jump in with us and lead us out. You made it out before the enemy could bury you alive? That’s victory. Whatever image you have of victory, delete it from your mental database. When you see the victory it will not be as you imagined because it is in God’s nature to blow your mind.

If the battle is already won, then why bother including us at all? Because it’s one thing to praise God for someone else’s testimony, but it’s something else entirely when it’s our own story. When we reflect on the sights, sounds and smells of God’s victories in our lives it brings about an honest praise. And how can we properly praise Him for getting us through if we’re not walking and wandering somewhere between the word he spoke and the promise fulfilled? In the middle of the mess, stretch your faith and praise God for the victory you can’t see. Pray for strength as you do what He has called you to do. Press on knowing that God is with you and He’s in complete control, and He will be nothing less than glorified.

Savannah Edwards – Elevation Volunteer, Ballantyne

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/60-days-pray-for-victory/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/60-days-pray-for-victory/61 Days – Pray for REFUGEhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/hCZmQ8aMsn8/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/61-days-pray-for-refuge/#commentsMon, 22 May 2017 19:27:03 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6509We are 61 Days away from the start of LOVEWeek 2017, and today we’re praying for REFUGE.

In Psalm 61 (NIV) the word “refuge” is used both as a noun and a verb. The Hebrew word, “machacehused” in verse 3 means “a shelter from the rain or storm or danger or falsehood.” This Christian journey is not an easy one. We’re constantly climbing up and down mountains, wandering in valleys, and battling the lies of the enemy. Let’s admit it: it can be tiring and frustrating and exhausting walking in God’s will for our lives, and there are moments where we feel vulnerable and exposed. Like David, our hearts grow faint and all we can do is cry out to God in desperation. But David remembered the faithfulness of God. He remembered he’s been in this weary, broken place before and he knows his God is faithful to cover and restore him. Our safe place against the failings of our own flesh is with God, and he is our defender and our advocate against any accuser who tries to come against us. Here’s the interesting thing: David doesn’t ask God to come to him. He asks God to lead him.

Our relationship with God isn’t sedentary. It’s a walk, however there are periods of rest. There are moments when we must slow down, take a breath, admit our legs are getting weak and ask God to lead us to where we need to go. By asking God to lead him he’s admitting he can’t get where he needs to go in his own strength. It’s important when we’re feeling this way to recognize it, acknowledge it and bring it before God and seek shelter with Him and in Him so we can be restored, or else restoration is just wishful thinking and a rejected promise.

Verse 4 says, “I long to dwell in your tent foreverand take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Chacahmeans to seek refuge. It also means to put our trust and to confide in God. It does us no good to sit and wait for God to move; we need to be actively walking in His will and in obedience with a humble heart. God is our refuge, but we need to seek refuge daily, not just for physical protection, but for spiritual restoration and emotional and mental healing. We need to seek refuge for guidance and realignment. He is not intimidated by our pain or our problems; we can confide in Him and trust Him with the things we’re not designed to carry. He is not bothered by our moments of distress or depression, nor are we a burden to Him because we feel like handful. He is not a Father who abandons his children and leaves them crying out to Him.

As we pray for REFUGE, let’s remember a spirit of humility knowing that He is the source of our strength and our shelter in times of trouble, that we wouldn’t seek the things of this world to settle us or fill us up. As we go into our city and be the hands and feet of Jesus it is imperative we know who our refuge is so when people ask us where they can go for help, we’ll have an answer. Starting now, we need to seek him daily so when the time comes we’re not trying to operate on empty. Let’s thank God for being our ever-present help and our refuge in times of trouble and weakness and the love and grace he so freely gives because it’s who He is and not because we deserve it.

Savannah Edwards – Elevation Volunteer, Ballantyne

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/61-days-pray-for-refuge/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/61-days-pray-for-refuge/62 Days – Pray for RESThttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/Ep3KRmcse-k/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/62-days-pray-for-rest/#commentsMon, 22 May 2017 02:45:16 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6497We are 62 days away from LOVEWeek and today we’re praying for REST.

Like the Psalmist says, it’s so imperative for us to hand things over to God so that we can find rest through the release, but not the kind of rest that makes you want to plop on a couch and put your feet up, but the kind of rest that grants peace because you know the God’s got your back.

Psalm 62 mentions 5 characteristics of God’s grace and solidifies that God is our: rock, foundation, refuge, fortress. and salvation. So what do we do when life gets a little crazy? What do we do when we feel like we’re losing ourselves in the chaos?

It’s actually a very simple answer, we release those things that have burdened us, those people who have hurt us with the understanding that we have chosen to live our lives for Christ and he is our anchor – we find our rest in him. Our lives are to be lived as a declaration of his goodness and grace, it doesn’t mean that everything’s going to be easy all the time, that we won’t face hard times, or that we won’t find ourselves in the midst of chaos.

Hebrew 6:19 says, “ We have this hope as anchor for the soul…” Think about it, there are 5 points to an anchor like there are 5 characteristics of God’s grace listed by the Psalmist. Anchors can’t be as useful as they’re supposed to be if they’re just floating around in the water. However, when they’re at the bottom, on the foundation of the ocean, they find rest, they fulfill the work that they’re supposed to despite being in the midst of turbulent water. Let that be a reminder to us, that when we realize that we stand on the foundation of Christ’s promises for us, we find rest, we know that he will work in and through us, even if it seems like there are so many against us.

We get to chose to allow Jesus’ hope and love to be the anchor for our souls, the anchors that allows us to stand on the foundation that Christ has laid for us, the foundation that rises above. In him, we rest.

Father, thank you for the moments when chaos surrounds us. Thank you for the moments when we know we can’t live this life on our own. Thank you for the moments when we learn to place our hope and trust in you. You are so faithful, and in you, even amidst all the chaos, we find rest. Instill us with your grace, instill us with your wisdom. Allow us to be different, Lord, allow your light to shine through us. We are so grateful for your steadfast love, we know you will never fail us. Lord, your will be done today and always. Amen.

Katelyn Spicer – Elevation Outreach Assistant, Blakeney

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/62-days-pray-for-rest/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/62-days-pray-for-rest/63 Days – Pray for LOVEhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/R-gKYITTjhQ/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/63-days-pray-for-love/#commentsSat, 20 May 2017 16:43:37 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6503We are 63 days from the start of Love week 2017 and today we’re praying for LOVE.

I pray that we can show our love throughout our city by loving on our city throughout love week.

Mark 12:30 says, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

I wanted to write about love in honor of my precious son, Alex, whom passed away last September. Alex truly taught me what love is all about. He showed me that love is all about loving everyone no matter what. That it doesn’t matter if someone is different, looks different, or acts different. We are all loved by God no matter what.

Not only so, but Christ also allows for us to experience glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, produces character; and character produces hope. Hope does not have the power to allow us to experience shame, because our God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. In him we experience is hope, glory, and LOVE.

Sharon Ghiz, Elevation Outreach Volunteer – Blakeney

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/63-days-pray-for-love/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/63-days-pray-for-love/64 Days – Pray that We REJOICEhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/f9LWERBvUSM/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/64-days-pray-that-we-rejoice/#commentsSat, 20 May 2017 15:52:58 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6500We are 64 days away from LOVEWeek 2017 and today we’re praying that we REJOICE throughout preparation and execution of our plans for LOVEWeek.

Psalm 64 says, “The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him.”

In Psalm 64, David, addresses the individuals that have come against him as enemies with the intent of death. In life, there are so many factors that come against us that sometimes we feel like we’re destined for defeat, but our faith makes us righteous in Christ, in him, he will only allow to come to pass what he has willed. We can REJOICE because we’ve already found victory in Christ.

Psalm 64 also mentions how our enemies will come after us with deadly arrows, but in comparison to the arrows of Christ, they are bent and will not harm us. The power of our praise, the power behind the moments when we rejoice rather than fear carry more weight than any attack from an enemy will ever have. God’s arrow is straight and will carry out the plan that he desires, and when we rejoice we are living proof of the goodness of God.

We have the opportunity to glory in him and his glory will shine through us.

What are you rejoicing for this week?

Katelyn Spicer – Elevation Outreach Assistant, Blakeney

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/64-days-pray-that-we-rejoice/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/64-days-pray-that-we-rejoice/65 days – Pray for OVERFLOWhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/VpAduOxqGz8/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/65-days-pray-for-overflow/#commentsThu, 18 May 2017 11:00:33 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6490It’s 65 days to the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and we’re praying for OVERFLOW.

Psalm 65 reminds us that our God is a God of ABUNDANCE. God wants every good thing he has planned for you to flow to you. This psalm is such a beautiful tribute to our God – “the whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders” it says.

It’s such a reminder that our God is a good father who wants to bless us abundantly. We shout for joy and sing to the one who made us and who loves us unconditionally.

Four years ago, our church produced a documentary called “Beyond the Banner” to kick off LOVEWeek. It was also an opportunity to share the stories of the lives changed by Jesus through the generosity of the people of our church, and the impact your giving is making around the world.

We are 66 days from the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and today we pray for our lives to be filled with GLORIOUS PRAISE.

Psalm 66:1, 2 reads “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”

We learn in this psalm that praise isn’t silent and it definitely isn’t reserved. Praise is a shout for joy, it is a song, it is a rallying cry to rejoice. And what we are reminded is that giving God praise isn’t just reserved for certain types of people; it says ALL the earth will bow down to God and later on in verse 8, “all peoples.’’ All of creation has the ability to give God praise. When we sing the glory of his name, we are declaring who he is to us. And God can be many things depending on how we are experiencing him. What are you giving God glorious praise for today? Are you giving him praise for being your Savior? Your King. Deliverer. Healer. Redeemer. When we praise God we learn more deeply about his nature and his character.

We also know that we don’t praise him based on how we feel or what we experience temporarily. Sometimes God does things we don’t agree with, like in verse 10 when he tested the people, and brought them to prison and laid burdens on their backs. It’s in these moments of tension, when we feel overwhelmed and pressed in from every side, that we need to sing his praise the most. Like Pastor Steven preached, “praise puts our problems in context.” Praise lifts our head, and raises our perspective. We can remember God’s faithful deeds in the past and have confidence that he will deliver us in the future.

I love later on in this psalm how interactive praise can be. Verse 5 encourages us to “Come and see what God has done.” Then verse 8 exhorts us to “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me.” The psalmist gives us an invitation to participate in what God has done, to remember, to reflect, to rejoice! When we experience him for ourselves, we can’t help but respond to what we have seen and what we have heard.

And when we praise God for his glory, he receives more glory. Amazing!

At the end of 2013, Pastor Steven led us through a series of 52 Days of Thanks and Praise. We were reminded that that before we ask God for anything, we should thank Him for everything. And once we get in the habit of thanking and praising him for one small thing, it grows and increases until we truly are living a lifestyle of praise and gratitude. Wouldn’t it be great if we chose a lifestyle of praise today? Not based on our personality or even our circumstance. Praise him for the awesome deeds he has already done on our behalf. Praise him for the trial and storm he is bringing you through right now. Praise for what he will do in the future.

Lord thank you that we are your people and we fear you. You are great and mighty and glorious. We come to you knowing we haven’t always done or said the right thing. Thank you for responding to our cry for help. Thank you for listening to our prayer. We praise you for extending your love to us. Please help us to freely give the love you’ve given us to those around us in our sphere of influence. Amen.

16 Come and hear, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.18 If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;19 but God has surely listened
and has heard my prayer.20 Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!

]]>http://elevationoutreach.com/news/pray-for-glorious-praise/feed/0http://elevationoutreach.com/news/pray-for-glorious-praise/67 days – Pray That God Would Be GRACIOUS to Ushttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ElevationOutreach/~3/lCQ5UrhWjbw/
http://elevationoutreach.com/news/67-days-pray-that-god-would-be-gracious-to-us/#commentsTue, 16 May 2017 21:12:08 +0000http://elevationoutreach.com/?p=6465We are 67 days from the start of LOVEWeek 2017 and today we’re praying that God would be GRACIOUS to us.

Psalm 67 says, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.”

As I think of this passage and love week I ask myself what is truely means to be gracious?

I think of all the opportunities we have this LOVEWeek to be gracious to those in need.

Gracious to me means love even in the hardest of circumstances. I think about how many homeless people are just looking for a gracious hand to show that someone cares about them. I think of a person who God has directly put in my path and the only word I hear is they need grace and someone to listen to. Psalm 67 also says, “May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you.”

“May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.”

When it comes to being gracious for me I try not to think of myself, but instead ask Jesus, “What is one way I can praise you today? What is one way you want me to extend myself to be gracious to someone else?”

Have you thought about how you can be gracious this LOVEWeek, yet? Have you prayed about how you can be gracious even in your everyday? Is there one specific thing Jesus has asked you to just lift up a shout of praise so that you can just sing and shout of joy? What opportunities has Jesus asked you to shine in this LOVEWeek?

As a single mom my life can get hectic, feel out of balance, and I tend to find myself in need of grace. When my daughter Emma is in need of a little bit of time to sort things out with Jesus, all I want is for her to explain right then and now instead of taking the time for herself. Learning to be gracious, I find is a challenge for me sometimes.

This Love Week I am so looking forward to every gracious opportunity Jesus has planned for me. Due to many challenges last year I missed LOVEWeek and I was so angry with God. But I truly believe that was the gracious hand of Jesus telling me to slow down. I truly believe that was Jesus’ way of telling me I have a promise for you this coming LOVEWeek. Jesus has so many gracious opportunities for me this LOVEWeek. Will you join me in my journey to be gracious? Will you help seek and pray with me for this LOVEWeek? Jesus has so many opportunities as a community for us to sing for joy amoung our city! I personally can not wait to see what God can do through us!